Dec 16 How To Make A Living Christmas Centerpiece For Your Christmas Table + Video

We’re really on the countdown to Christmas now and I know this because we only have a few bags left on our Advent Wreath Calendar. Honestly I didn’t think we would get to this point and not have forgotten to open the numbers each day. It’s funny how a little treat will keep the kid’s memories on their toes because they have not forgotten once this month yet.

Since we are on the slippery slope to the big day I imagine those who love to decorate would be starting to think about how they want to lay out their table? What theme, colour scheme, what decorations to add, napery, plates and cutlery and all the little knick knacks that come with a putting together a Christmas table. If you want to make something that little bit special why not consider making a Living Christmas Centerpiece? A miniature garden you could say gracing your Christmas table. It sure would wow your guests and not mention make a grand statement.

Now I am going to show you how to make this gorgeous Living Christmas Centerpiece from scratch including the wooden tray that it is sitting in. However if you are short on time I would suggest tracking down a basic wooden tray that you could sub in it’s place. So let’s get started.

1 x feature tree ( I used Thryptomene – F.C. Payne) ** A small pine tree that mimics would be a great addition but I couldn’t find one in my local Bunnings.

Cut List:

Claymark 64 x 19mm 2.4m Standard Grade Dressed Pine

Side - 2 x 600mm x 64mm x 19mm

Ends - 2 x 310mm x 64mm x 19mm

900 x 600 x 9mm Premium Grade Radiata Plywood

Base - 1 x 600mm x 350mm x 9mm

Tools:

Jigsaw

Circular Drop Saw

Measuring Tape & Pencil

Paint Brush

Upholstery Staple Gun

Pneumatic Nail Gun

Detail Sander & 120 grit sandpaper

If you need a little bit of help in creating your very own Living Christmas Centerpiece then make sure you check out my video tutorial above. This shows the whole project from start to finish. If you haven’t already make sure you go and follow me over on my YouTube channel! I would love to see you there.

1. Measure & Cut: Measure and cut the Dressed Pine for the sides and ends of the wooden box and cut using the circular drop saw. TIP: If you don’t have the correct tools at home to create this box get your pieces pre-cut at Bunnings in the trade section.

Assemble: Put the frame pieces together with the ends in between the side pieces. Nail together using the Pneumatic Nail Gun. Measure and mark the Radiata Plywood and cut out using the jigsaw. Add the plywood base to the bottom of the frame and nail into place around the edges of the board.

Painting & Waxing: Add a coat of Dulux Vivid White to the entire box. Once dried lightly distress the sides and top edges of the box using the Detail sander with 120 grit sandpaper. Wipe the entire box over with a damp cloth to remove any excess dust. Apply a coat of clear furniture wax to the outside edges of the box to protect it. Buff with a clean, lint free cloth.

Finishing: Attach two antique corner protectors to the top and bottom of each corner of the box. Cut a piece of clear plastic to fit on the inside of the box and staple into place. TIP: If you don’t own an upholstery staple gun simple attach with a hot glue gun.

Filling: Break apart the Sphagnum moss into a small bucket or bowl and cover with water to re-hydrate. Fill the wooden box with potting mix to about 2 cm from the top of the box. Plant the feature tree in the center of the box. Removing half of the potting mix from the plants base to make it fit. Add the seedling around the feature tree and cover the potting mix with the moist Sphagnum moss.

You can definitely make this centerpiece up to a week ahead and I would even recommend it because it allows the plants to settle in and start to grow a little giving it a more lived in look rather than a just planted look. Keep the sphagnum moss moist and give little waters every second day will keep the centerpiece looking fresh and healthy. You can keep the plants in the tray for up to a month but after that I would recommend planting the bigger tree out asap as it won’t last long term in the tray.

Don’t be afraid to play around with the different types of plants that are under planted under the main plant. Use whatever you can find in your local nursery at this time of year. A poinsettia plant would look stunning at the main plant in this tray too. Also if you have some recycled timber lying around and don’t want to paint it then don’t! Give it a light sand and keep it as is. Have fun in playing around with what will work with the materials you have available to you. I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with and if you so happen to create one for yourself then make sure you tag me either over on Facebook or Instagram with your creations because I LOVE to see them.